noun

porcupine

porcupine

A porcupine has sharp quills for defense.

A porcupine has sharp quills for defence.

((a/the)) porcupine A porcupine crossed the road last night.

Synonyms: none; Similar animals: hedgehog

From Old French 'porc espin' (spined pig), from Latin 'porcus' (pig) and 'spina' (thorn, spine).

Think of a 'pork' (pig) with sharp 'pine' needles on its back.

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